The Amendment Scheme has modified Para 68 N of the Principal Scheme, i.e. the provisions relating to grant of advance to members who are physically handicapped.

The highlights of the Amendment Scheme are as follows:

Pursuant to the Amendment Act, a certificate from the employer or a doctor is no more required to be granted for a non-refundable advance in the following cases:

In case the member / his family is hospitalized for one month or more, or

In case of major surgical operation in a hospital, or

In case the member/his family is suffering from T.B., leprosy, [paralysis, cancer, mental derangement or heart ailment].

As per the Amendment Scheme, no advance will be granted to the member unless he produces a self-declaration to that effect.

By virtue of the Amendment Scheme, no medical certificate from a competent medical practitioner would be required for advances to be granted to members of the Principal Scheme who are physically handicapped. Instead, a self-declaration to that effect will suffice.